Minimizing H <sub>2</sub> O <sub>2</sub> Loss in Industrial Electrosynthesis via Asymmetric Main‐Group Sn Single‐Atom Catalysts

The electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) via the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction offers an appealing and sustainable route for on-site H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> production. However, its broader applicability is constrained by subpar yields, primarily resulting from insufficient selectivity and the occurrence of electrochemical and/or chemical decomposition of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>. Herein, we demonstrate that asymmetric N/S co-coordinated main-group Sn sites can effectively stabilize oxygen intermediates and rapidly desorb the generated H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, thereby enhancing 2e<sup>-</sup> ORR pathway selectivity while suppressing undesirable H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> decomposition reactions. At an industrially relevant current density of 300 mA cm<sup>-2</sup>, the main-group catalyst achieves an exceptional H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> faradaic efficiency of 93%. When scaled to an industrial sized area of 100 cm<sup>2</sup>, the pilot reactor delivers an impressive H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> production rate of 353.5 mmol h<sup>-1</sup> at 20 A. In situ characterizations and theoretical simulations reveal that the main-group Sn sites exhibit inertness toward activation of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, thereby mitigating H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> loss in electrosynthesis. The asymmetric N/S-coordination enhances electron transfer between the Sn center and oxygen intermediates, stabilizing the *OOH intermediate and facilitating H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> generation. This work presents a promising strategy for minimizing H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> loss in electrochemical production via the rational design of main-group catalysts with well-defined coordination and electronic structures.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Published
2026-01-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202523314
Primary Topic
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Minimizing H 2 O 2 Loss in Industrial Electrosynthesis via Asymmetric Main‐Group Sn Single‐Atom Catalysts

Peng Xu, Yuen Shing Wu, Xin Zhou, Chao-Hai Gu et al.
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
article

Minimizing H 2 O 2 Loss in Industrial Electrosynthesis via Asymmetric Main‐Group Sn Single‐Atom Catalysts

Peng Xu, Yuen Shing Wu, Xin Zhou, Chao-Hai Gu, H. Li, Cai Chen, Yuan Min, Yi Song, H.-C Yu, Jie‐Jie Chen
article en

Abstract

The electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) via the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction offers an appealing and sustainable route for on-site H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> production. However, its broader applicability is constrained by subpar yields, primarily resulting from insufficient selectivity and the occurrence of electrochemical and/or chemical decomposition of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>. Herein, we demonstrate that asymmetric N/S co-coordinated main-group Sn sites can effectively stabilize oxygen intermediates and rapidly desorb the generated H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, thereby enhancing 2e<sup>-</sup> ORR pathway selectivity while suppressing undesirable H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> decomposition reactions. At an industrially relevant current density of 300 mA cm<sup>-2</sup>, the main-group catalyst achieves an exceptional H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> faradaic efficiency of 93%. When scaled to an industrial sized area of 100 cm<sup>2</sup>, the pilot reactor delivers an impressive H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> production rate of 353.5 mmol h<sup>-1</sup> at 20 A. In situ characterizations and theoretical simulations reveal that the main-group Sn sites exhibit inertness toward activation of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, thereby mitigating H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> loss in electrosynthesis. The asymmetric N/S-coordination enhances electron transfer between the Sn center and oxygen intermediates, stabilizing the *OOH intermediate and facilitating H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> generation. This work presents a promising strategy for minimizing H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> loss in electrochemical production via the rational design of main-group catalysts with well-defined coordination and electronic structures.

Angewandte Chemie International EditionVol. 65(9)
University of Science and Technology of China (CN), Southwest Petroleum University (CN)
Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 83%
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.